Nike used the Billy Goat Tavern as the "backdrop for its 'Chicago Style' commercials -- the latest addition to its 'Sport Changes Everything' ad campaign -- which debuted last week" during Saints-Bears and has "since aired during Bulls games and on social media," according to Chris Boghossian of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE. Instead of using the name of the iconic tavern and grill, Nike "turned it into Frank's, a fictitious hot dog joint." The ad features fictitious restaurant owner Frank, played by actor Don Forston, "sitting behind the counter, narrating the 'Chicago Style' scene of sports highlights." Those to appear in the spot include Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, late Bears defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan, Cubs 2B Javier Baez as well as Lakers C Anthony Davis and former WNBAer Cappie Pondexter -- both of whom hail from Chicago. In addition, Project sWish Chicago Founder McKinley Nelson, U.S. Women's National Wheelchair Basketball Team member Ixhelt Gonzalez and Reveal Dance Chicago Founder Monyett Crump also appear in the ad. Nike Regional Communications Manager Tim Shaw said that the campaign will be "integrated across social, digital and streaming platforms as well as murals" of Nelson, Gonzalez and Crump that will "appear in different areas across the city" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 10/31).
